Buddhism Quote by Charles Bukowski
““Nothing was ever in tune. People just blindly grabbed at whatever there was: communism, health foods, zen, surfing, ballet, hypnotism, group encounters, orgies, biking, herbs, Catholicism, weight-lifting, travel, withdrawal, vegetarianism, India, painting, writing, sculpting, composing, conducting, backpacking, yoga, copulating, gambling, drinking, hanging around, frozen yogurt, Beethoven, Back, Buddha, Christ, TM, H, carrot juice, suicide, handmade suits, jet travel, New York City, and then it all evaporated and fell apart. People had to find things to do while waiting to die. I guess it was nice to have a choice.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Post Office by Charles Bukowski, 1971
People chase many trends and fads to fill emptiness, but they ultimately dissolve, leaving a need for purpose while awaiting mortality.
In simple terms: People chase fads, then feel empty and seek purpose.
Key Takeaway
Seek lasting meaning beyond fleeting trends.
Themes
search
emptiness
purpose
mortality
Mood
reflective
melancholic
contemplative
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- Crisis of meaning
- coping with boredom
- confronting mortality
Key Concepts
Consumerism
existentialism
nihilism
Questions to Reflect On
- What lasting purpose can you cultivate?
- How do you resist the pull of fleeting fads?
A Different Perspective
Trends are temporary and cannot replace deep fulfillment.
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